Abby laughed. “God, me too. And Aaron just sat there and didn’t say a word. In fact, he hardly said anything all night. What’s up with that?” She held her hand up. “And do not blame me. I attempted to talk to him. A couple of times. Well, at least once.”

“Who could get a word in with Holly going on and on like she was? I don’t remember her being like that last year.”

“It’s because of Nic. She wants to make sure I know that Nic’s not quite on her level.”

“Why would she care about that?”

“Oh, Mom…it’s complicated.”

“You don’t still have a thing for her, do you?” her mother whispered.

“God, no! But the way she went on and on, you’d think she has one for me.”

“Oh my goodness, Abigail! They’re engaged to be married. And it’s been two years.”

“Exactly. So why does she care who I date?”

“I think you’re reading too much into it.”

Oh, she itched to show her mother the text Holly had sent her. But no, she couldn’t do that, could she? That might cause another family rift and they certainly couldn’t have that. The first one hadn’t been fixed yet.

“Is this private or can I join you?”

Abby turned, finding Nic standing in the doorway, already holding a cup of coffee. “No, come in.”

She nearly dropped her own cup when Nic bent down to kiss her. She was certain her face turned scarlet as her mother watched them.

“Good morning, Sandra.” Nic looked out the windows. “It’s beautiful. Is this a special spot for you?”

“Good morning, Nicole. Yes, this is my favorite perch in the mornings. William gets the fire going for me in here before he leaves. I have my coffee and spend some time just relaxing and watching the activity at the feeders before I start my day.”

“Where is he anyway?” Abby asked.

“At the resort. I swear, the man thinks they can’t run the thing without him.”

Abby stared at her mother, seeing a bit of sadness there. Bitterness was mixed in too, she imagined. Was it like before in Dallas? Did he have something to occupy his time now and he was neglecting his home and his wife? Well, she couldn’t ask questions now, not in front of Nic.

“We’ll probably go into town later,” she said instead. “We have a little shopping to do. We might stay for lunch, too. Maybe grab a burger at the brewery.”

“Oh, that sounds like fun. When we first moved here, we used to go there at least once a week for lunch. Your father can’t seem to find the time now.”